Got hit with this massive craving for real-deal Oceano seafood last Tuesday after watching some fishing documentary. Thing is, my regular grocery store’s “fresh” section smelled like bleach and regret. Figured if I wanted fish that didn’t taste like freezer burn, I needed to hunt properly. Grabbed my phone, threw on shoes, and just started driving toward the docks first.
The Dock Disappointment
Went straight to Harbor Point early morning expecting boats unloading magic. Saw three dudes smoking near empty crates. Asked “Where’s the catch?” One just laughed and pointed at a sign: “Wholesale Only – Minimum 200lbs”. Felt like an idiot. Bought overpriced coffee from a truck and sulked.
Asking Random Strangers
Decided to bother people at the marina gas station. Old guy fueling his boat actually knew stuff. Told me: “Wholesalers sell leftovers at 2pm sharp behind Dina’s Crab Shack”. Rushed over, found a dude in rubber boots selling bucket-loads of glistening stuff. Scored monkfish cheeks for $5. Fist-bumped myself.
Google-Fu Failures
Tried searching “fresh oceano seafood near me” later. Got endless ads for fancy restaurants serving tiny portions on fancy sticks. Almost threw phone. Remembered my neighbor’s fish-tattoo obsession – texted him. Dude sent back three handwritten market names with “CASH ONLY BRING COOLER” in all caps. Legend.
The 10 Spots That Actually Worked
- Tony’s Back Alley Crates (behind Dina’s Crab Shack): Show up at 1:45pm, bring exact change. Got blood-red tuna steaks still twitching.
- Fisherman’s Bend Parking Lot Sales: Only Fridays after 3pm. Shrimp so fresh they jumped outta my bag.
- Maria’s Unmarked Blue Truck (Jersey & 5th): Pulls up random days. Follow her Instagram @freshcatchsecret (no posts ever – bio has emoji codes for locations).
- Capitano Freezer Surprise: Looks shady – walk-in freezer boxes sold for $20. Mine had 8lbs squid and a frozen octopus hug.
- Boat Watch Breakfast Club: Old guys at marina diner spill locations if you buy them pancakes.
- Liquor Store Backroom (Shell Street): Ask for “Juan’s special order”. Got scallops wrapped in newspaper.
- Rainy Day Fish Boxes (under Harbor Bridge): When weather cancels tours, captains sell surplus cheap.
- Gas Station Ice Bins (Coastal Petro): Clerk rings a bell when shipments arrive. Sea bass landed in my trunk still gulping.
- Surf Shop Secret Stash: Dudes trade fish for board wax. Got mackerel for a Snickers bar.
- Salty Dog Pub Dumpster Dive (KIDDING don’t do this – failed experiment involving raccoons and regret).
The Gross & Great
Some spots smelled like low tide in a bad way. Maria’s truck once sold me “mystery fish” that turned into science experiment foam in my fridge. But that parking lot tuna? Grilled it with garlic butter – made my eyeballs roll back like cartoon wolf. Worth every sketchy alleyway and confused raccoon encounter.
